The-Dream-South Side Music Hall-3/30/12

A lyric from one of Terius "The-Dream" Nash's songs, "Form of Flattery," came to mind during his Friday show: "If you're surprised you're here/ It means you shouldn't be here." Although I tend to feel out of place at pop shows, a few welcome surprises can make a difference.

The first surprise was that the writer of Justin Bieber's syrupy hit "Baby" attracted mostly women and a few spooning couples seated at cocktail tables, which were set up throughout South Side's floor. Stage lights introduced The-Dream, head decked in a Raiders hat, as he walked in front of a two-screen platform with a drummer on a riser. A few women stood from their seats to get closer, pumping their legs up and down to the beat of "Fast Car" and "Nikki," both songs carrying Prince's prints.

The-Dream's voice registered carnally high, especially on the aptly titled "Falsetto," and nearly matched guest singer Casha on duet track "Kill the Lights." The show climaxed with the stage lights beaming on the disco ball above the floor for "Love King."

The second surprise was a bit of off-color advice about life: "Things just start going right when you're fuckin' the right bitch." (Note: Nash is twice separated.) Hope no Beliebers heard that.

Not content with leaving the audience after a canned encore of "Rockin' That Thang," Nash returned a third time, now in a sleeveless shirt, for "Let Me See That Booty." Hat trick on surprises.

By the way: South Side Music Hall's staff gave some tables complementary roses before The-Dream's set. Innocent decor or possible groupie pass?